Continuous Improvement Manager

Woods & Co; Pryor Creek (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Woods & Co is seeking a proven Continuous Improvement Manager to lead Lean initiatives at a Pryor, Oklahoma paper-packaging facility. Relocation assistance is provided if needed, and you will drive site-wide cost savings and process improvements.

You will serve as the primary Lean leader, coaching teams, analyzing losses, and guiding projects from DMAIC inception to completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and Lean principles.
• Proven experience driving continuous improvement initiatives in a paper manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required; Power BI or SAP experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to coach teams, build systems, and collaborate with leadership teams.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Hands-on, results-driven approach with the ability to influence change across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Coach and drive rigorous usage and continuous improvement of Lean Manufacturing tools across the paper mill and converting plant.
• Conduct quarterly loss analyses to identify top operational opportunities and align site action plans with high-impact improvements.
• Lead cost savings and cost reduction initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Perform regular loss analysis data drilldowns to uncover key improvement opportunities.
• Serve as the primary problem-solving lead, guiding teams through challenges using the DMAIC process.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment of improvement initiatives with business objectives.
• Track, analyze, and report performance metrics to measure effectiveness of initiatives.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

DMAIC

Six Sigma

Coaching teams

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Power BI

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Woods & Co is supporting a sustainable packaging and recovery solutions company with roughly 10,000+ employees across North America and Europe, who is seeking a proven Continuous Improvement Manager to lead for a growing paper-packaging manufacturing facility.

This is a Continuous Improvement Leader role in the Pryor, Oklahoma area.

Relocation assistance: will be provide if needed.

What's in it for you?

• Broad exposure across both mill and converting operations — unlike a narrowly focused project role, this position lets you influence performance throughout the entire facility.
• Serve as the site's primary problem-solving and Lean Manufacturing leader, with the visibility and support to coach teams and shape a lasting culture of continuous improvement.
• Join a company with a 50+ year legacy in recycling and R&D, contributing to sustainability efforts that extend to communities and the planet.

What you'll do:

• Coach and drive the rigorous usage and continuous improvement of Lean Manufacturing tools across the paper mill and converting plant.
• Conduct quarterly loss analyses to identify top operational opportunities and align site action plans with high-impact improvements.
• Lead cost savings and cost reduction initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Perform regular loss analysis data drilldowns to uncover key improvement opportunities.
• Serve as the primary problem-solving lead, guiding teams through complex challenges using the DMAIC process.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment of improvement initiatives with business objectives.
• Track, analyze, and report performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives.

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and Lean principles.
• Proven experience driving continuous improvement initiatives in a paper manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required; experience with Power BI or SAP is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to coach teams, build systems, and collaborate effectively within leadership teams.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Hands-on, results-driven approach with the ability to influence change across the organization.

Woods & Co Recruitment is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate and proudly encourage applications from everyone—including individuals from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities of all ages.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.